Sayana Ekadashi

Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "O Keshava, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Asadha (June-July)? Who is the worshipable Deity for this auspicious day, and what is the process for observing it?"

Lord Shri Krishna replied, "O caretaker of this earthly planet, I shall gladly tell you a wonderful history that Lord Brahma once narrated to his son Naradaji.

One day Narada asked his father, 'What is the name of the Ekadashi that comes during the light part of the month of Asadha? Kindly tell me how I should observe this Ekadashi and thus please the Supreme Lord, Vishnu.'

Utpanna Ekadashi

Suta Gosvami said, "O learned brahmanas, long ago Lord Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, explained the auspicious glories of Shri Ekadashi and the rules and regulations governing each observance of fasting on that holy day. O best of the brahmanas, whoever hears about the origins and glories of these sacred fasts on the Ekadashi days goes directly to the abode of Lord Vishnu after enjoying many different kinds of happiness in this material world.

Arjuna, the son of Pritha, asked the Lord, O Janardana, what are the pious benefits of complete fasting, eating only supper, or eating but once at midday on Ekadashi, and what are the regulations for observing the various Ekadashi days? Kindly narrate all this to me.

The Supreme Lord, Krishna, replied, O Arjuna, in the beginning of winter, on the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Margasirsa [November-December], a novice should begin his practice of observing a fast on Ekadashi. On Dasami, the day before Ekadashi. he should clean his teeth nicely. Then, during the eighth portion of Dasami, just as the sun is about to set, he should eat supper.

Varuthini Ekadashi

Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "O Vasudeva, I offer my most humble obeisances unto You. Please now describe the Ekadashi of the dark fortnight of the month of Vaisakha (April-May), including its specific merits and influence."

Lord Shri Krishna replied, "O king, in this world and the next, the most auspicious and magnanimous Ekadashi is Varuthini Ekadashi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Vaisakha. Whoever observes a complete fast on this sacred day has his sins completely removed, obtains continuous happiness, and achieves all good fortune. Fasting on Varuthini Ekadashi makes even an unfortunate woman fortunate. Upon anyone who observes it, this Ekadashi bestows material enjoyment in this life and liberation after death. It destroys the sins of all and saves people from the miseries of rebirth.

Utthana Ekadashi

It has four names: Haribodhini - Prabodhini - Devotthani - Utthana Ekadasi and it is the second Ekadasi (Kartik Shukla, light fortnight) in the month of Kartik.

Lord Brahma said to Narada Muni, "Dear son, O best of the sages, I shall narrate to you the glories of Haribodhini Ekadasi, which eradicates all kinds of sins and bestows great merit, and ultimately liberation, upon the wise persons who surrender unto the Supreme Lord.

"O best of the brahmanas, the merits acquired by bathing in the Ganges remain significant only as long as Haribodhini Ekadasi does not come. This Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Kartika, is much more purifying than a bath in the ocean, at a place of pilgrimage, or in a lake. This sacred Ekadasi is more powerful in nullifying sin than one thousand Asvamedha sacrifices and one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices."

Vijaya Ekadashi

Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "O Lord Shri Krishna, O glorious son of Vasudeva, please be merciful to me and describe the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February-March)."

Lord Shri Krishna replied, "O Yudhisthira, O king of kings, gladly shall I tell you about this great fast, known as Vijaya Ekadashi. Whoever observes it certainly achieves success both in this life and the next. All the sins of one who fasts on this Ekadashi and hears its sublime glories are eradicated.

Narada Muni once asked Lord Brahma, who sits on a lotus, about Vijaya Ekadashi. Narada said, `O best of the demigods, kindly tell me the merit one can achieve by faithfully observing Vijaya Ekadashi.